Introduction to Ashi Garami

Ashi garami, derived from Japanese terminology meaning "leg entanglement," is commonly referred to as leg lacing in Sambo and grappling circles. The technique involves wrapping and entangling an opponent's leg similar to lacing a boot. This instructional segment covers the fundamental mechanics of this effective takedown and submission technique.

Fundamental Position and Setup

The technique begins from a bottom position with the practitioner transitioning from their buttocks to their back. The defender must scoot in close, hook under the opponent's knee, and place pressure on the near hip using a headlock grip combined with leg positioning. Proper depth and proximity to the opponent are critical for successful execution.

Leg Positioning and Clamping

Once the initial hook is secured, the practitioner clamps the top leg while ensuring toes remain under the opponent's body to prevent counterattacks on the feet. The upper leg applies pressure in one direction while the lower leg provides a post position in a different angle. This dual-directional pressure creates the entanglement necessary for control and submission.

Finishing the Straight Ankle Lock

By rolling to the side after securing the leg lace, the practitioner applies maximum pressure to both the straight ankle lock and knee crank simultaneously. The key is maintaining the side position rather than remaining on the back, as this allows greater reach and leverage to finish the submission. The arm wrapping around the leg provides the final handle needed for completion.

Transition from Standing Position

The leg lacing technique can be initiated from a standing position by executing a lunge directly toward the opponent's legs. This movement mirrors the swing-under techniques popularized by Pride fighters such as Sakuraba and Funaki. The principle remains constant: using forward momentum and hip drive to establish the entanglement.

Entry Mechanics and Hip Drive

Practitioners must execute the leg lacing as a single, fluid motion rather than separate movements like dropping down and then grabbing. The entry begins with a controlled lunge, placing one knee down while securing the pants or back of the knees. The practitioner then slides their rear leg straight through by pulling the hips forward past the opponent's feet.

Common Entry Mistakes

A frequent error is popping down immediately and grabbing without proper hip positioning, which restricts the ability to thread the feet through the entanglement. Walking the feet through slowly is also incorrect; the technique requires one decisive hip-drive movement. Proper positioning ensures the hips clear the opponent's leg completely before the lace is applied.

Defensive Application Against Leg Passes

When an opponent swings their legs past to escape the guard, a skilled bottom player can catch and counter with an immediate leg lace. This defense transitions seamlessly into either a straight ankle lock or knee bar, depending on the angle of the catch. The practitioner hooks the passing leg with their arm, initiates the lace, and takes the opponent down in one continuous motion.

LEG LACING ASHI GARAMI FUNDAMENTALS

welcomematstevescott

Standard Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi

3 min read·8 key moments·PT8M13S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Ashi Garami
•Fundamental Position and Setup
•Leg Positioning and Clamping
•Finishing the Straight Ankle Lock

Ashi Garami (Leg Entanglement) is also known as Leg Lacing. This video shows the basics of this lower body submission skill. View hundreds of videos of judo, freestyle judo, Shingitai Jujitsu, sambo, submission grappling and sport jujitsu on our Youtube channel at http://youtube.com/user/welcomematstevescott. The Welcome Mat Judo-Jujitsu Club was founded in 1969. Please subscribe to our Youtube channel if you have not done so already. Visit our web sites at http://www.WelcomeMatJudoClub, http://www.judoblackbelt.com and visit our online store at http://www.WelcomeMatStore.com. Join our premium channel at http://www.grapplingcoach.us. Thank you for watching our video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard sasae tsurikomi ashi?

This video covers introduction to ashi garami, fundamental position and setup, leg positioning and clamping. It provides detailed instruction from welcomematstevescott.

How long does it take to learn standard sasae tsurikomi ashi?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.